The sports world is reeling after the sudden passing of Josh Mauro, an eight-year NFL veteran who died this month at just 35 years old. The news hit especially hard for Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, who took to social media to express his devastation—and to honor a man he called a brother.
Mauro, a defensive lineman who suited up for the Arizona Cardinals, Raiders, and New York Giants, was remembered by his family in a heartfelt statement. His father, Greg, wrote: “With many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new—living in the presence of the Lord—we humbly covet your prayers.” The family shared that Mauro “breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven” on April 23.
Crosby, one of the league's most dominant defensive players, didn't hold back his emotions. “I can’t believe I have to do this right now,” he began in a raw video message. “I’m sick to my stomach to be honest. But my guy Josh Mauro just passed away recently. Damn bro, I really don’t have words. I love you, bro, and I wish I could’ve done more for you. I wish I could’ve been there for you. It’s just tough man.”
The two players shared a deep bond that went beyond the gridiron. Both from Texas, Crosby looked up to Mauro long before they became teammates. “You were the first and probably only vet to text me when I got drafted,” Crosby recalled. “We came from the same area in Texas… I had known and admired who you were from afar for a long time—somebody I looked up to coming up in Texas.”
Crosby’s tribute was a raw, unfiltered look at grief in the locker room. He spoke about how life gets busy and people drift apart, but the love remains. “Sometimes you don’t talk as much and everybody’s got their own (expletive) going on and you could lose contact at times—but I’ll say this man, Josh I love you bro and I know you had my back since day one.”
The Cardinals also released a statement: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving this loss.”
Mauro’s death comes amid a string of recent tragedies that have shaken the sports community. From the tragic Ironman death where an athlete pushed past warnings, to the Chiefs' Super Bowl winner being named a person of interest in a missing woman's case, the sports world has been reminded of life’s fragility. Mauro’s passing adds another layer of sorrow.
Crosby ended his tribute with a plea for everyone to check on their loved ones. “We all have our battles man and you never know what people are going through. I wish I could just talk to you one more time. It (expletive) breaks my heart. I love you though, bro. You were hilarious and a great human being. I just wish I could’ve been there for you. I love you bro. Rest in peace.”
Josh Mauro’s legacy—as a teammate, a brother, and a fighter—will not be forgotten. The NFL community, and especially those who were lucky enough to call him a friend, will carry his memory forward.
